Page 108 of Brutal Savage

So that’s not his mother. I wonder where his mom is…

“Wife? You two got married? Without us?” His dad can’t seem to erase the shock on his face. “You must excuse me.” He coughs a laugh, his Irish accent hard to miss. “My son doesn’t tell his old man anything. Feels like I just saw him, and he didn’t tell me at all about his plans.”

“It happened quickly,” Tynan mutters, clearly wanting this conversation to end. “We didn’t have time to invite anyone.”

Fernanda’s shrewd, dark eyes connect with mine. I force a smile, hoping she believes this is real. Or doesn’t assume I’m pregnant or something.

“Well, congratulations, son.” Patrick palms his shoulder before he and Fernanda both hug me, congratulating me too.

“So, how long have you two known each other?” Fernanda asks, looking between us.

Crap. Crap. Think!

“Umm…” I peek at Tynan for help, expanding my eyes a bit so he gets the hint. “How long would you say, honey?”

I hook my arm through his, tugging him to me, grinning at him like a complete idiot. A completely in love idiot. Or that’s the story we’re selling.

“Give or take, three weeks, right?” A slow smirk spreads across his face as he gazes at me. “I guess when you know, you know.”

His father chuckles. “That’s right, son. I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses. Time was ticking.”

Right. He needed this to secure his position, so of course his father is pleased. I’m sure he doesn’t care how Tynan found me as long as he did.

“How did you two meet?” He raises his brows, shooting us both with a confrontational stare.

“Um…” I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell them who I am or how I knew Tynan before he stuck a ring on my finger.

“She’s Brody’s teacher.”

“Wow!” Fernanda looks over at her husband. “How crazy is that? Right, Pat?”

“Well, I definitely never expected that.” He takes my hand in both of his. “But I’ve heard about you through my other boys, and I know how good you are to our Brody. I’m thankful that he has you.”

My cheeks heat up. “I adore Brody. He’s just so easy to love.”

His mouth quirks, his gaze filling with affection before he’s peering at his son. “She’s a keeper.” He gestures to me with a tilt of his head.

“Yeah…” He kisses my temple. “It’s why I married her.”

“Aww, this is so beautiful.” Fernanda pats under her eyes. “You remember us like this back then, Pat? How in love we were?”

He wraps her in his arms and gazes deep into her eyes. “And how in love we still are, lass.”

My heart melts at the sight of them. There’s clearly history here I don’t know.

Tynan releases a dramatic exhale, causing me to laugh.

“Stop it.” I swat his chest. “They’re cute.”

“See, son? We’re cute. Listen to your lady.” He tugs Fernanda to his side and kisses her temple, just like Tynan did to me.

And it wasn’t the first time either. I remember he kissed me that way when he was intimidating Vincent at my school. Is that where he learned it? From his father?

I hold him just a bit tighter, causing him to look down at me with a puzzled expression.

“So, lovebirds, will there be a wedding?” Fernanda asks.

“Only if that’s what Elara wants.” Tynan’s eyes go to mine, and images of me in a white dress, him in a tux waiting for me at the altar, make my pulse quicken.

---